We cover a ton of fast cars->ke3112 and torque-rich trucks->ke1311 here at TopSpeed, but sometimes we’ve got to examine what we’re up against -- or what the bank robber who’s stolen a BMW 3 Series->ke290 as a get-away car is up against. Take a look at the new 2015 Dodge Charger Pursuit. The new police cruiser from Dodge gets all the updates the civilian Charger gets, but also comes with all the right stuff for nabbin’ perps.

Cops are very demanding of their cars; it’s their rolling office and has to be comfortable for an eight-hour shift, plus be ready for chasing suspects sideways down a back road or at 120 mph on the interstate. Dodge->ke28 has brought the goods with the 2015 Charger Pursuit, retaining all the positive characteristics from the previous Charger, plus incorporating some new features that keep officers happy and Dodge competitive in the squad car category. Remember Ford and Chevy offer some stiff competition.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Dodge Charger Pursuit.

2015 Dodge Charger Pursuit

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Dodge Charger Pursuit
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 292 @ 6350
  • Torque: 260 @ 4800
  • Transmission: five-speed auto
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The 2015 Charger Pursuit shares the same updates as the civilian Charger; the lower, more streamlined grille and hood, the relocated C-pillar, and the revised rear ‘racetrack’ taillight feature. Beyond the basic changes is the added push bumper for protecting the grille during PIT maneuvers and pushing disabled vehicles to safety, A-Pillar spotlights, built-in Wig-Wag lights incorporated into the new LED daytime running lights, a roof-mounted light bar, rear decklid-mounted emergency lights, and more Wig-Wags in the rear taillight assembly.

Of course blacked out steel wheels is the standard fair with cop cars, as is the custom livery wraps available directly from Mopar.

Interior

The Charger Pursuit gets many of the 2015 Charger updates, but several things differ from the standard version. The most obvious difference is the all-business center console. Gone is the civilian version with its center-mounted gear selector and in its place is a completely customizable unit that fits everything from radios and scanners, to controls for radar and sirens. It also hides the extensive wiring harnesses included to power all the extra equipment. Hook-ups for laptop computers, 12-volt accessories and other equipment are all present.

Special seats are included that feature cutouts in the side bolstering, making room for the often-massive utility belts officers wear. The seat still comes with side airbags for side impacts. Back seats can come with heavy-duty coverings for the less-than-adequately-dressed accused who may find themselves with a free ride downtown.

The Charger’s new thick-grip steering wheel also offers several remappable auxiliary buttons that cops can configure to run whatever aftermarket police gear they want. Also within reach is Chrysler’s 5.0-inch Uconnect touchscreen in the dash for displaying the rearview camera, vehicle information, and entertainment options.

Drivetrain

Just like before, the 2015 Charger Pursuit comes with two available powerplants: the 3.6-liter, Pentastar V-6 and the mighty 5.7-liter, HEMI V-8. The Pentastar V-6 is rated at 292 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque while the optional HEMI V-8 makes 370 horses and 390 pound-feet.

Both engines are backed by Chrysler’s proven five-speed automatic transmission. Though the old five-speed isn’t offered in the civilian Charger, the need for center console space in the Charger Pursuit necessitates a column-mounted shifter. The ZF eight-speed transmission, the standard unit in the regular 2015 Charger, requires an electronic gear selector that apparently couldn’t be modified to work with the interior layout. Added cost of the ZF unit is also a likely reason the five-speed returns. For police departments located in foul-weather states, all-wheel-drive is available, even with the HEMI -- this is not an option on civilian Chargers.

The Pentastar might not make headlines with its horsepower rating, but it does a fantastic job at adequately motivating the Charger while still providing 26 mpg highway. It’s also E-85 flex-fuel capable.

The HEMI V-8 is the engine to choose if high-speed pursuit is expected. With 370 horses on tap, the Charger scoots to 60 mph in just under six seconds. Even with the added power, the HEMI still returns a matching 26 mpg highway thanks to cylinder deactivation. Of course, stomping the gas and even just in-city cruising uses more fuel than the Pentastar V-6.

Type

3.6-liter Pentastar V-6

5.7-liter HEMI® V-8

Output

292 HP

370 HP

Torque

260 LB-FT

390 LB-FT

0 to 60 mph

TBA

6 seconds


Suspension and Brakes

It might not have the 440 cubic inch plant and it comes standard with catalytic converters, but the Blues Brothers would be mighty proud of this Mopar patrol car. It comes fitted with performance-tuned suspension with load-leveling NIVOMAT shocks, heavy-duty sway bars front and rear, heavy-duty vented disc brakes front and rear with aggressive ABS tuning, 18-inch, all-season performance tires, and a two-mode electronic stability control system.

In emergency braking situations, the braking system will provide maximum braking power to cut stopping distances. The brakes also help the rear tires maintain traction, acting as a brake-lock system on the differential. Another interesting trick the brakes do is periodically compress the pads against the rotors in rainy conditions to keep everything dry. Clever.

Prices

While Dodge hasn’t released pricing on the 2015 Charger Pursuit, count on an increase in price from the standard Charger. All that wiring, the fuse boxes, beefy suspension components, and tires cost extra to include. As with any car, the more options you add, the more the price increases. Mopar offers quite a few add-ons, but the majority of equipment fitted to standard-issue Chargers will come from aftermarket supplies.

Expect the price to vary wildly depending on how the car is ordered and modified. The standard 2014 Charger starts at $26,995, so expect a modest increase for the 2015 model year jump, along with the police pursuit package.

Competition

Ford Taurus Police Interceptor

The Ford Taurus replaced the antiquated Ford Crown Victoria back in 2012 and is a more capable cruiser in nearly every respect. The Taurus enjoys four separate engine choices starting with the base 3.5-liter V-6. The optional 3.7-liter V-6 is shared with the Mustang, while the mighty 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 is similar to the one found in the F-150. Also present is the 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder.

The Taurus comes standard with front-wheel-drive, but all-wheel-drive is optional with the 3.7-liter V-6 and 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6.

Chevrolet Caprice PPV

Chevrolet has replaced its outdated and outclassed Impala patrol car with the more powerful Caprice PPV. It comes to the States thanks to GM Australia where the car is manufactured. It rides on the same dated but quite capable Zeta platform found in the Chevy SS and Camaro, along with several Holden products. Sadly, the fact that the Chevy Caprice is technically an import car bars it from service in many U.S. police departments.

Technicalities aside, the Caprice PPV is basically a stretched out and stripped version of the respectable Chevy SS. Power comes from a 6.0-liter V-8 that packs 355 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. The ever-present 3.6-liter V-6 can also be ordered for departments looking to save on fuel.

Conclusion

The Dodge Charger makes a solid choice for police departments, especially considering all the advancements it receives for 2015. The HEMI V-8 makes short work of catching up to fleeing purps while the Pentastar V-6 is an economical choice for smaller departments or those working mostly in town.

The Charger Pursuit also carries the meanest attitude of the three competitors. Its intimidating presence is likely enough to deter would-be crooks from committing crimes or exceeding the posted speed limit.